Overall Rating: Good to Very Good (**1/2)
Pizza type:
New York style pizza
Pizza ordered: Pepperoni and black olives
Pizza ordered: Pepperoni and black olives
Crust: The gas-oven baked crust at Italian Pie is a good to very good New York style crust. The crust is relatively thin and exhibits the key components of the New York style, to include nicely browned and tougher texture edges, and a somewhat crispy bottom that transitions upward into a slight chewiness. The bottom of the crust didn't display any desirable charring; however, it was nicely browned. The crust did not display any residual flavor of oil or herbs, thus making it a good neutral platform for the toppings.
Sauce: Italian Pie's sauce is a very good crushed tomato-based sauce that is nicely spiced without displaying any dominant herb flavor, as well as not being overly salty. The sauce was applied sparingly enough, not throwing off the flavor balance of the pie.
Cheese: Although not a fresh mozzarella the cheese was a good quality, pizzeria mozzarella. The cheese was applied a bit too heavily, giving the pie an ever so slightly dominant cheese flavor. The cheese was of good enough quality, however, that it didn't come across a sour or separated...oily.
Other Topping(s): The pepperoni was flavorful, nicely spiced and not too lean, so it remained tender after baking. The black olives on the pie were of very good quality and generously applied, but did not overwhelm the overall flavor.
Atmosphere: Italian Pie's South Rampart Street location does a great job of combining urban pizzeria with traditional neighborhood pizzeria feel. The curb appeal is excellent...drawing in any true pizza lover.
Service: The service at Italian Pie is outstanding! The server was enthusiastic and knowledgeable and went above and beyond to make our experience very pleasant.
Atmosphere: Italian Pie's South Rampart Street location does a great job of combining urban pizzeria with traditional neighborhood pizzeria feel. The curb appeal is excellent...drawing in any true pizza lover.
Service: The service at Italian Pie is outstanding! The server was enthusiastic and knowledgeable and went above and beyond to make our experience very pleasant.
Utensils: Rather flimsy paper plates and adequate utensils and napkins.
Overall: Often skeptical of chain pizzerias, I found this small NOLA chain does a great job of combining classic pizzeria atmosphere, a touch of urban chic, a good to very good New York Style pizza and great service, to produce an overall winner. If you're in the Big Easy and love pizza, you will be pleased with this place. It's within reasonable walking distance from the French Quarter, Central Business and Warehouse Districts.
Payment: Cash /Credit cards
